Salmonella outbreak at Legion a 'one-time event', health unit says

Three weeks ago several Cochrane residents attended a supper at the Legion and left feeling ill.

Diane Pustina, Program Coordinator of the Porcupine Health Unit confirmed the "one-time event" held at the Legion was on Aug. 5.

The incident resulted in 12 confirmed cases of Salmonella.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause a food-borne infection called Salmonellosis. Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes vomitting.

Symptoms can occur from six to 72 hours after becoming infected. Salmonella is found in domestic and wild animals, including poultry, wild birds, swine, cattle, and rodents.

Pustina confirmed the investigation was worked out with hospitals, doctors, and the Legion members.

The results of the investigation revealed the outbreak appeared to be related to equipment failure.

"Currently there is no public health risk to the public, the equipment failure has since been corrected," Pustina said.

The Porcupine Health Unit recommends several steps be taken into consideration to help prevent Salmonella infection.

Wash hands thoroughly before, during and after food preparation.

Be sure to cook ground poultry and poultry pieces to a minimum temperature of 74°C (165°F) and whole poultry to a temperature of 82°C (180°F).

Always use a probe thermometer to verify cooking temperatures and never leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours. To prevent recontamination, always place cooked foods on clean surfaces.

For more information on food safety visit http://www.porcupinehu.on.ca/Inspection/food-safety.html or